Countries
Type
Level
Theme
Popular Regions
About Us
Your Booking
Embark on a cosmopolitan cycling adventure exploring the beauty of Lake Constance, Lake Zurich, and Lake Walen, along with the majestic Rhein Falls. This captivating journey spans four diverse countries: Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria.
Commencing and concluding in the picturesque city of Constance, renowned for its charming university ambiance, meandering cobblestone streets, and a quaint harbour adorned with half-timbered structures. The route commences by tracing the shores of the romantic Untersee (lower lake), leading you to the captivating town of Stein am Rhein. This fairy-tale destination boasts an enchanting market square, setting the tone for a trip filled with remarkable places and scenic wonders.
Rapperswil
Pedal your way to the canton capital of Schaffhausen, dominated by a majestic sixteenth-century fortress. Enjoy a boat excursion to the breathtaking Rhine Falls, Europe's largest plain waterfall. Recharge in the vibrant and cosmopolitan Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, boasting upscale shops, restaurants, theaters, museums, and galleries for your indulgence. As you cycle through picturesque towns and alpine villages like Rapperswill on Lake Zurich, take the opportunity to explore at your own pace.
This self-guided tour navigates through cycle paths, tranquil lanes, and lesser-traveled roads. While the route is predominantly flat, anticipate some gently undulating terrain in the Appenzell region en route to St. Gallen.
Check into your first night’s hotel, then get out to explore – there’s lots to see! This charming university city on the shores of Lake Constance still has a medieval feel. Stroll around the pedestrianised Old Town with its winding cobbled streets, historic buildings – many with beautifully painted murals – and lively shops, cafes and bars. Don’t miss the famous Minster (cathedral), which dates from the seventh century and dominates the city’s skyline – climb to the top of the tower for some incredible views. Or perhaps take the opportunity to visit the island of Mainau.
Your first day’s cycling starts with a ride along the romantic Untersee (lower lake). You’ll cycle through tiny fishing villages and the enchanting town of Stein am Rhein – take a break to explore its well-preserved medieval centre, with half-timbered buildings and fairytale market square. From here you’ll cycle to your overnight stop in Schaffhausen. The city is the canton (state) capital and is dominated by the Munot, an imposing sixteenth century fort. After settling into your hotel we recommend a stroll through the picturesque Old Town, where many of the houses are richly decorated with oriel (bay) windows and lavish facades.
After breakfast, it’s a short cycle ride to the Rhine Falls where you can board a boat for a close-up view of the incredible Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe (150m wide and 23m high!). Afterwards, cycle through the Glatt Valley to cosmopolitan Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, where you’ll spend the night. Check out ritzy Bahnhofstrasse for upmarket shopping or head to the Niederdorf area in the Old Town for characterful, cobbled streets crammed with shops, cafes and restaurants. Top tip: don’t miss artist Marc Chagall’s extraordinary stained glass windows, created for the thirteenth century Fraumunster church in 1967.
It is possible to shorten today's ride to 55 km by taking the S-Bahn train Zurich Airport into the city.
Today you’ll cycle along the northern shore of Lake Zurich – known locally as the golden coast, due either to its sunny aspect or high property prices! Take a break in Rapperswil – dubbed ‘Rosenstadt’ or the town of roses – to admire its famous rose gardens. Then stroll through medieval alleys to the impressive, thirteenth century Rapperswil Castle, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Old Town. Cross over Lake Zurich using the dam, then cycle along the shoreline to the little town of Lachen where you will spend the night.
Leaving Lachen you’ll cycle along the Linth Canal, the man-made waterway between Lake Zurich and Lake Walen. At the village of Weesen, you’ll board a boat for an enjoyable cruise to the other end of the lake. You disembark in the town of Walenstadt overlooked by the stunning peaks of the Churfirsten mountain range. The stunning scenery continues as you cycle along the wide valley. The Rhine river then leads you into the time principality of Liechtenstein to the alpine town of Vaduz where you will overnight.
Today you’ll continue to cycle alongside the Rhine for a little longer. Then you’re in for a treat: a cog-wheel mountain train ride from Altstätten up to the village of Gais. From here you’ll cycle across the alpine meadows to St. Gallen, one of the highest cities in Switzerland. The ride is a little hilly, but the superb views make it all worthwhile. Don’t miss the main attraction of St. Gallen, the Abbey of St. Gall and the Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After breakfast you’ll freewheel downhill from St. Gallen to the town of Arbon, on the shores of Lake Constance. Take a break to wander through the narrow medieval streets of the Old Town and visit Castle Arbon, which houses the town museum and features a great stone tower to climb. From Arbon you’ll enjoy an easy ride along the lake-shore past apple orchards and through charming waterfront villages before a triumphant return to Constance for the final night of your holiday.
After breakfast it’s time to check out and return home, or head off on your next adventure.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a regular plus bike or an E-bike.
Regular bike: Is an alloy framed unisex model with 27 speeds and a comfortable, relaxed riding position, perfect for a leisure cycling holiday. Minimum height is 145cm. Male specific frames with a crossbar are available from a height of 175cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier, lock and handlebar bag plus a repair kit per booking.
Regular plus bikes: Offers a sportier riding position and a step up in terms of components (hydraulic disk brakes, 30 speed Shimano XT gears). They also come with a suspension seat post. Male specific frames with a crossbar are available from a height of 180cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier, lock and handlebar bag plus a repair kit per booking.
Electric bikes: These unisex/step through electric bikes are a popular option on this route and ensure riders can enjoy the scenery along the way, whilst not working too hard at the climbs. Bikes come equipped with a pannier, lock and handlebar bag plus a repair kit per booking.
Helmets are not supplied, so you will need to bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Comfort: Comfortable 3 star hotels and guesthouses.
Constance: Apartment Hotel
Schaffhausen: Hotel Park Villa
Zurich: Sorell Hotel Rex
Lachen: Hotel Bären
Vaduz: Vaduzer Hof
St. Gallen: Einstein
Local taxes
Some hotels in some countries have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Zurich airport – Innsbruck, Munich and Stuttgart airports are also viable alternatives but slightly further away.
Research flights from the UK here.
From Zurich airport there are regular trains to Constance and the journey time is just over an hour.
Research train times here.
Easy
Leisurely
Moderate
Challenging
